Written By: Oluremi Asun
Recently, we have seen that the same brush that the executives and parliament have used over the years has been extended to the medical profession in Nigeria. There is a debate going on within their circle whereby they are seeking to pass a law that will prohibit medical doctors from traveling abroad to seek greener pastures. This proposal has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerian citizens, with many opposing it. The politicians can go out for medical checkups but those they have improvised cannot go out to look for a better life by migrating to well-structured countries to seek better work opportunities.
Firstly, it is a well-known fact that Nigeria is experiencing a brain drain, a situation where skilled professionals, including doctors, nurses and pharmacists are seeking better work opportunities overseas. This is due to a combination of factors, including poor working conditions, low salary remuneration, inadequate resources, and the lack of funding for research and development. A recent publication by the Association of Resident Doctors stated that up to 500 Medical Doctors leave Nigeria annually.
Secondly, It becomes quite preposterous when the government proposes banning doctors from seeking greener pastures worldwide. The question we all should ask ourselves is, ‘How is this proposal in the interest of Nigeria?’ The government should be concerned and genuinely interested in improving the working conditions of its employees rather than curbing their freedom to exercise their fundamental human rights to seek better work opportunities overseas.
Thirdly, the government should focus on retaining medical professionals by improving the working conditions and providing adequate resources within the country. This would encourage medical professionals to remain within the country, where they can contribute to the development of the sector and provide quality care to their patients. The government can invest in developing a conducive environment, welfare packages, career progression opportunities and improving the health care systems to attract and retain its forces.
Fourthly, banning doctors from leaving the country is simply discriminatory and opposed to human rights, our constitution grants nationals the freedom of movement, employment, and association, and this bill violates those constitutional rights. Moreover, instead of restricting doctors from leaving the country, the government should develop policies and incentives that aim to create a conducive environment for them to stay home.
Lastly, let us consider the fact that the government failed to provide free education, scholarships, and grants to medical school students. The parents of these students suffered to pay their way out of school, and no corrupt government needs to keep them from finding better financial opportunities overseas. Nigeria needs to find solutions to support its doctors and retain them within its borders.
In conclusion, the Nigerian government should rethink its proposal to ban medical professionals from seeking better opportunities overseas. Instead, it should focus on developing a conducive environment to encourage doctors to remain within the country, train and retrain medical personnel, and invest in research and development. It is high time the government came out of its comfort zone and worked towards improving the health sector in Nigeria. Let us oppose the proposed bill and encourage the government to prioritize an enabling environment for health care workers.
